Summer Festival, Mt Abu

Held for a period of three days in the first week of May or June, the Summer Festival is one among the scores of art, music and culture celebrations organized by the tourism department of Rajasthan in Mount Abu.

Legends behind the Summer Festival, Mt Abu

The Summer Festival of Mount Abu is popular as much for its song & dance performances and art exhibitions as for the scenic beauty that surrounds the region. The serene lakes in between rocky hills along with the pleasant climate make this festival very popular among tourists.

Customs and Traditions of the Summer Festival, Mt Abu

The first day of the festival is marked by a ballad performance at Nakki Lake and a procession that halts at this site. Every year folk artists are invited from neighboring state of Gujarat and the locals are also encouraged to perform at the festival. It is a tradition for the government of Rajasthan to organize the festival during the ‘Aashadh’ month of the Hindu calendar. Hence there is a change of date of the festival every year.

Cultural Importance of the Summer Festival, Mt Abu

The Ghoomar, Dhap and Gair dances are the most popular and must be attended by every visitor. Besides music and dance, sports competitions are held for both children and adults. Boat race on the Nakki Lake, skating, panihari matka race, deepdan and tug of war are the most popular events. For the youth, the organizers make arrangements for a special band show that sees the culmination of traditional with modern music. Both nationally acclaimed music groups and local stars are invited to play at the Summer Festival venue.

Also, a tourist cannot call it a day without listening to the music and recitals by eminent names in the industry at the ‘Sham e Qawwali’ (evening of poems) show. Participation in the fireworks display late at night on the third day of the festival is also considered a once in a lifetime opportunity.